THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 7, 2026

Odisha and Canada explored new avenues of cooperation in clean energy, mining, agriculture and industrial development as the High Commissioner of Canada to India, Christopher Cooter, called on Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday.

Christopher Cooter, accompanied by his wife, held detailed discussions with Singh Deo, who oversees the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy departments, on expanding bilateral engagement with a special focus on Odisha’s emerging investment potential.

Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, and Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and CMD OPTCL, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, were also present during the meeting.

The talks centred on strengthening India-Canada cooperation in agri-export, technology collaboration, bilateral trade and sustainable industrial growth. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s strategic importance in India’s mineral economy, noting that the State holds nearly 92 per cent of the country’s chromite reserves along with significant deposits of rare earth minerals along its coastline.

Singh Deo emphasised the immense scope for Foreign Direct Investment in mining, mineral-based industries and value-added manufacturing sectors. The Canadian delegation expressed strong interest in investment opportunities in Odisha’s growing automobile and industrial sectors, while also exploring partnerships in advanced technology and clean energy initiatives.

Highlighting Odisha’s transformation into a preferred investment destination, Singh Deo said the State’s policy stability, robust infrastructure and industry-ready ecosystem have helped it earn recognition as an “Achiever” State in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.

The Deputy Chief Minister also underlined Odisha’s ambitious green energy roadmap, stating that two of India’s proposed Green Hydrogen Hubs will come up at Paradip and Gopalpur. These projects, he said, will accelerate the State’s transition towards renewable energy and position Odisha as a national leader in green technology and decarbonisation.

He further noted that Canada has shown interest in investing in dual projects related to clean energy and industrial cooperation, opening new possibilities for strategic collaboration between the two sides.

During the interaction, Singh Deo also briefed the Canadian delegation on Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, historical legacy and evolving agricultural landscape, stressing the State’s commitment to balancing tradition with modern development.

 “Odisha welcomes global partnerships that bring technology, investment and market access while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth,” Singh Deo said.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue institutional dialogue and deepen cooperation in the identified sectors to strengthen long-term economic and technological ties between Odisha and Canada.